Thank you for Joining us for the 2022 virtual Advocacy summit!
Here, you can find answers to the most common questions and direct link to the most needed resources. For any other needs, please reach out to Event Organizer, Hannah Engber, at hengber@caionline.org.
Elected Officials and their staff can find answers to common legislative questions here: caionline.org/LegislatorCorner
logistical questions:
Where and when is the Summit?
The CAI Virtual Advocacy Summit is being held from Wednesday, October 19th through Friday, October 21st. Meetings are held entirely virtually, so you can have your meetings from the comfort of your home or office!
What will I be doing?
This event is an opportunity to advocate on behalf of the community association housing model with your legislators. CAI will schedule 3 meetings for you, each about 20-30 minutes: one with your Representative, and one with each of your Senators to discuss the legislative priorities that affect your home and business.
How will I meet with my members of Congress virtually? Will I meet with my members of Congress personally?
CAI Virtual Summit attendees will meet with their members of Congress or staff virtually via video conference or telephone. The Congressional office has final say which method they prefer, so be sure to expect a mix between telephone and video conference calls throughout the day.
Members of Congress have very busy schedules. Between votes, committee hearings and meetings with other constituents, their time is scheduled down to the minute. They may spend the whole meeting with you, two minutes, or not at all. We always request that the member of Congress be present at the meeting, but you may also meet with staff who are subject matter experts and influential in helping Congress members develop their positions.
Do I make my own appointments?
No, the CAI staff will schedule meetings on your behalf. Attendees should register for CAI Virtual Summit with the address where they are registered to vote. CAI's Government and Public Affairs team will match a participant's voting address against our congressional database to request appointments with your elected officials.
Do I have to be online for the whole conference?
No. We will schedule your meetings for approximately 2-3 hours of time over the course of the three days. In addition to these meetings, we will have a one general session each day to check in with CAI staff and other advocates.
How do I register for CAI's Virtual Summit?
Registration is now open. CAI members must register to access the Virtual Summit. There is no single-day registration available.
What does my registration include?
Registration includes access to three-days of Congressional meetings with over two hours of programming available during the Summit. Registrants will also get a digital toolkit with issue briefings, promotional content, and a personalized schedule.
What should I wear?
Attendees are encouraged to dress professionally.
Is it ok to discuss topics other than the identified “asks"?
While a personal anecdote that supports our legislative “asks" can be impactful, members of Congress are very busy and in order to be respectful of their time (and potential differences in politics/backgrounds), it is important to stick to the talking points or “asks" and not use the time as a platform to bring in other issues. This helps to maintain the integrity of the meeting and ensure that CAI members are seen as a knowledgeable and useful resource on health policy issues.
How much does it cost to attend?
The 2022 Virtual Advocacy Summit is free for any CAI member to attend.
How should I prepare for the Summit?
CAI has a plethora of resources. For first time advocates, check out the following assets to get started:
More resources to follow, including training videos, issue briefs, and we will start the conference with an Opening Training Session on Wednesday.
What do I need to be successful?
As the event is entirely virtual, attendees should have a laptop or other internet-connected device with a camera, microphone, and a quite place to have your meetings undisturbed.
Etiquette
Even though we are not physically at the Capitol this year, it is important to be polite and professional for these meetings. A few tips for being polite in a video call:
- Mute your microphone when you aren't speaking.
- Be mindful of background noise and distractions around you, as much as possible.
- Adjust your camera and lighting so we can see your face well.
- NOTE: This recommendation is debatable in some circles, since some people are sensitive to being on camera, but it might be vital to some classes, like language learning.
- Please add a profile photo to your Zoom account, so we can still see your face when you turn off your camera.
- Dress like you are coming to the office—no PJs, please.
- Avoid multi-tasking and focus your attention on the meeting. You might want to minimize/close all other windows, so you aren't distracted by email or other applications. Turn off your phone or put it away; just like in person, please use it only if there is an emergency.
- Enjoy a beverage but try to hold off on having lunch or that snack.
- Remember that you are always on camera. Need to yawn, sneeze, blow your nose, or something you don't want us all to see? Mute your audio, and for longer interruptions, blank your video.
- All comments and discussions should be respectful; disagreements are fine, but personal attacks are not.
- Don't be a Zoom-hog. Be considerate in not talking over people and give everyone a chance to speak.
Access and Technology questions:
What browser works best for the CAI Virtual Summit?
We recommend using a computer or laptop with one of these three browsers: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer.
Can I access the platform using an iPad or mobile phone?
If you are using an iPad or mobile device, we recommend ensuring your browser is updated with the most recent installation or ensure you have downloaded and logged into the Zoom App from the App Store. If you see a black screen, while trying to watch sessions, we highly recommend you switch to a computer or laptop for the duration of your time on platform.
Some older devices are incapable of having the most current updates and will be incompatible with the complexities of the site, but most modern devices will work just fine.
What can I try if I have issues accessing the platform?
Close out all unnecessary tabs, refresh occasionally, disconnect from your VPN, keep your computer charged and stay close to your router, or use a direct ethernet connection. For specific issues, follow the corresponding steps below:
Network: For the best wireless connection we suggest you stay in the same room as, or close to, your router or use a direct ethernet connection. Hardline internet is recommended over Wi-Fi. If using Wi-Fi, minimize its use by other people, close all unnecessary applications, place router in an open space, turn on your cell phone hot spot as a backup. If using a work computer, disconnect, and do not use VPN. Be aware of any firewalls.
Sound: Can't hear? Check the sound level on your computer.
Browser audio, video, session Issues, or blank screens: Refresh your browser with F5 Key (windows) or Command + R (Mac). It may help to refresh multiple times.
Browser crashing? Clear Browser History/Cache with Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Windows) or Command+Shift+Delete (Mac). Also, make sure you don't have multiple tabs open while on the platform.
Not fixed? Refresh cookies from the OMED site. In Chrome on Windows, Mac, or Android click the lock icon left of the website address, click Cookies (## in use), hit Remove for each, then hit Done. In Firefox on Windows or Mac, click the lock icon left of the website address, “Clear Cookies & Site Data," then “Remove."
Still not fixed? Clear all browser history/cache with Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Windows) or Command+Shift+Delete (Mac).
Where can I send questions, or feedback/suggestions?
Email: government@caionline.org